BSAC

June 2006 06/139
Two divers entered the water to dive to a wreck at a maximum depth of 37m. One of the pair was using a rebreather. They descended a lobster pot line. It was a long line and they found it tangled in their shotline. The rebreather diver switched his set point to 1.3 once he was below 20m. On the wreck they began to explore. The rebreather diver found a valve and attached his lifting bag to it. He turned to ask his buddy to inflate the bag but the buddy had gone. He filled the bag from his back-up regulator and allowed it to surface. He continued the dive and found his buddy who was in the process of lifting the shot weight. They ascended a lobster pot line. The rebreather diver was slower than his buddy and he was last up the line. At 20m he noticed that the line was moving down towards him, pulled down as the supporting buoy was too small. He let go of the line and started to deployed a delayed SMB. However the reel jammed. While trying to free the reel he noticed that he didn't have sufficient air in the rebreather to allow him to take a full breath. He ascended without enough air to breathe. He attempted to add air manually but this did not work. He continued to ascend hoping that the air in the rebreather would expand sufficiently to allow a full breath. He was carried buoyantly to the surface missing decompression stops. His dive duration was 45 min. He shouted for help and was recovered into the boat. He was placed on oxygen and the Coastguard was alerted. His buddy was recovered some minutes later. The rebreather diver drifted in and out of consciousness. He was airlifted to a recompression facility where he received two sessions of recompression treatment for DCI.

June 2006 06/129
A diver conducted a 24 min dive to 24m with a 5 min stop at 5m. 6 hours later she noticed a mottled, itchy red rash on both her forearms. She sought medical advice by phone and sent a phone photo of the rash. She went to a recompression facility. She had a reduction in sensation below her left knee and her fingers and forearms were tingling. She was diagnosed with a spinal DCI. She received recompression treatment and a further treatment the following day because of incomplete resolution of symptoms. This diver had suffered a DCI nineteen months earlier and had been diagnosed with and treated for a PFO. (Report 05/027 relates).

June 2006 06/121
Two divers conducted a dive to a maximum depth of 29m and made a normal ascent to 6m. At the 6m stop one of the divers' drysuit inflator stopped working and he used his BCD to maintain his buoyancy. The other diver noticed that he was starting to sink so he held on to him and used his drysuit buoyancy to hold them both. At that point the other diver's inflator failed too; coming out of the suit completely. This diver managed to hold them both using his BCD. During this time they surfaced briefly then re-descended to complete their stops at a depth of 5m. Their dive duration was 45 min including 10 min of decompression stops. The following day one of the divers developed a headache and a 'slight woolly feeling' down one side. He sought medical advice and received three sessions of recompression therapy. His symptoms resolved. The other diver was asymptomatic but also received one session of recompression treatment.

June 2006 06/136
A diver, using air, conducted a dive to a maximum depth of 30m for a duration of 46 min including a 1 min stop at 9m and a 10 min stop at 6m. Two hours later he started to prepare for a second dive when he noticed an itchiness on his left shoulder. He discovered a 70mm diameter red rash on his shoulder with two blue weals across it. Another member of the group commented that she had had a similar marking two days earlier and had sought medical advice by phone. The diver with the newly developed rash did not make the second dive that day; he relaxed and drank a lot of water. 3 hours later the rash had gone. No other symptoms were experienced. Dehydration was thought to have been a contributory factor.

June 2006 06/140
A diver and his buddy conducted a dive to a maximum depth of 35m. They both deployed delayed SMBs to make their ascent. The subject diver's dive duration was 54 min including 15 min of decompression at 3m. 90 min he dived again, on the same site but with a different buddy, to a maximum depth of 36m. He started his ascent when he had 5 min of no-stop time left. He made a very slow ascent and had a total dive duration of 25 min. Shortly after getting back into the boat he felt an 'excruciating' pain in his right shoulder. He was placed on oxygen and given fluids. The Coastguard was alerted and the boat made its way back to the shore. They were met by the Coastguard and an ambulance. The diver's condition had improved and he was taken by ambulance to hospital where tests were conducted. He was diagnosed with a minor DCI which rehydration and oxygen resolved. The diver had been using nitrox 26. The diver reports that he had taken water during the day but had also had half a glass of wine some time prior to the first dive.

June 2006 06/346
Portland Coastguard were alerted by a dive vessel alongside in port of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 29m, the diver had experienced saw tooth diving profile during the dive due to current and buoyancy problems. The casualty was transported to recompression chamber by ambulance for treatment. (Coastguard report).

June 2006 06/347
Falmouth Coastguard received a call from dive boat reporting a diver with suspected DCI following a rapid ascent from 27m due to inability to vent drysuit. The vessel was met in harbour by Penzance Coastguard, an air ambulance airlifted the casualty to DDRC in Plymouth for treatment. (Coastguard report).

June 2006 06/271
A diver conducted a 25 min dive to 34m with a 4 min stop at 6m and a 9 min stop at 3m. 4 hours later he dived to 13m for 40 min with a 1 min stop at 3m. The following day he conducted a wreck dive to a maximum depth of 35m. The plan was to start their ascent after 20 min and make decompression stops at 6m and 3m. After 10 min they rose to the upper parts of the wreck and headed towards the shotline at a depth of 24m. However, they missed the line and continued back down to 34m. Having overrun their plan they deployed a delayed SMB and made their ascent including a 3 min stop at 9m, a 4 min stop at 6m and a 9 min stop at 3m. Their total dive duration was 41 min. At the 3m stop one of the pair experienced problems with remaining at the stop due to the buoyancy of his drysuit / undersuit. The diver had been trying a new drysuit / undersuit combination. 3 hours later, this diver complained of itching on his chest. He was placed on oxygen and given fluids. After 10 min he felt better. Once ashore he sought medical advice and was referred to a recompression facility where he received a precautionary treatment. He experienced no further problems but refrained from diving on following days.

June 2006 06/145
A diver entered the water with an instructor to conduct his first dive to a depth of 33m. They descended a shotline to the seabed. They then attached a distance line and swam around the shot weight. Back at the shot weight the instructor demonstrated attaching a delayed SMB to the weight to assist its recovery. When the trainee had a 1 min stop showing on his computer they made their ascent. During the ascent they stopped at 22m and 10m to conduct buoyancy checks. They stopped at 6m to allow their computers to clear. As a training drill the trainee then switched to his pony regulator and they made a further 3 min stop. They then switched back to their main regulators and ascended to the surface, taking 1 min to do so. The trainee was using nitrox 26 with his computer set to air. The instructor was using air. On their way back to the shore the trainee diver began to feel dizzy and he developed a headache. His condition became worse and he felt a pain in his chest. He was placed on oxygen. The emergency services were alerted. He was given water which caused him to vomit. He developed a tingling in his fingers and a numbness behind his left ear. He was airlifted to a recompression facility and received ten sessions of recompression treatment. He was to be tested for a possible PFO.

June 2006 06/349
Portland Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel reporting a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI. The vessel was met by Wyke Coastguard and an ambulance, the casualty was taken to Dorchester hospital for treatment. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/148
A diver completed a 29 min dive to a maximum depth of 22m including a 3 min stop at 6m. 1 hour later he began to feel unwell. He was given water but his condition did not improve. He was placed on oxygen. His condition deteriorated and medical advice was sought. He was airlifted to a recompression facility and received two sessions of treatment for DCI. He made a full recovery.

July 2006 06/353
Milford Haven Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI, the diver was vomiting and complained of symptoms of loss of feeling in extremities. RAF rescue 169 airlifted the casualty and buddy diver from Littlehaven lifeboat, the casualty and buddy were flown to DDRC Plymouth for treatment. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).

July 2006 06/149
A diver completed a diver training course. The following day he conducted a series of three dives; the first two to 6m and the last to 24m. Early the following day he attended a recompression facility and received three sessions of treatment for DCI. All symptoms were resolved.

July 2006 06/352
Solent Coastguard were alerted by Portland Coastguard, of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 40m. The casualty was recovered by Lymington RNLI lifeboat and met by Hampshire ambulance service for transportation to recompression chamber. (Coastguard & RNLI reports).

July 2006 06/199
A diver conducted a 49 min dive to a maximum depth of 48m on air. The dive duration included a 3 min stop at 9m and a 15 min stop at 6m. 1 hour 47 min later she dived, on air, to 32m for 27 min including a 4 min stop at 6m. Within 15 min of surfacing she felt a burning sensation in her left shoulder and she had a discolouration of the skin and swelling in that area. She was placed on oxygen and taken, by ambulance, to a recompression facility. She was diagnosed with a lymphatic DCI and given recompression treatment. The day before she had had a stomach upset and had become dehydrated, despite drinking fluids.

July 2006 06/354
Portland Coastguard received a call from a diving vessel reporting having a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 58m. Coastguard rescue helicopter R-WB was tasked to recover the diver and airlift to recompression chamber, the helicopter was met by Poole Coastguard a doctor and ambulance. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/155
A pair of divers entered the water planning to dive to 50m. They descended down an underwater wall and then followed the seabed down to reach their maximum depth. Both divers suffered nitrogen narcosis and became disorientated. They decided to ascend in open water, away from the wall. At 30m one of the divers deployed a delayed SMB. While doing so he lost control of his buoyancy. He had 30 bar remaining in his twin-set. The diver made a rapid buoyant ascent to the surface from 25m. His dive duration was 27 min and he had reached a maximum depth of 57m. The other diver completed the required decompression. The buoyant diver was recovered into the boat. He was placed first on nitrox 53 and then oxygen. The Coastguard was alerted and the diver and his buddy were airlifted to a recompression facility. The diver who had made the rapid ascent displayed some weakness in his left wrist; the other diver showed no symptoms. Both were recompressed and released the following day.

July 2006 06/163
A diver conducted a 36 min dive to 29m with a 3 min stop at 6m. 3 hours later he dived to 26m for 41 min. About 75 min after the second dive he noticed that he had a rash. Later he became unwell; he felt feverish and the rash was still present. He was placed on oxygen and taken to hospital. DCI was diagnosed and he was transferred to a recompression facility for treatment. He was reported to be dehydrated on arrival.

July 2006 06/151
The Coastguard was alerted after three divers made a rapid ascent from 25m. One of the divers was reported to be coughing up blood. All three were airlifted to a recompression facility for treatment.

July 2006 06/356
Portland Coastguard were alerted by diving vessel of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 64m. The diver complained of blurred vision, sickness and a skin rash on shoulder and stomach. The casualty was airlifted to recompression chamber for treatment, the helicopter was met by Poole Coastguard and an ambulance for transfer to the chamber. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/357
Falmouth Coastguard received a call from diving vessel reporting a diver aboard suffering vomiting and in a confused state, rescue helicopter R-193 was tasked to airlift the casualty to DDRC Plymouth for treatment. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/360
Falmouth Coastguard received a call from diving vessel reporting having a diver aboard suffering from dizziness, vomiting and lethargy following dive to 77m for 104 min, 17min bottom time. The casualty was airlifted to DDRC by rescue helicopter R-169. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/359
Portland Coastguard received a call from a diving party reporting having completed a dive 5 hours before to 55m for 30min, the casualty reported symptoms of numbness and aches, the casualty reported to the chamber for treatment. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/361
Solent Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel of a diver suffering from tightness in the chest and disorientation following a dive to 32m, the casualty was airlifted to QAH for treatment by R-IJ, Portsmouth Coastguard prepared the HLS. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/220
Two divers descended a shotline to a depth of 31m. During the descent one of them became tangled with the line and his buddy helped to free him; this caused him some anxiety. When this diver reached 90 bar he alerted his buddy. The buddy deployed a delayed SMB which took 2 min. As they started their ascent the diver who was low on air was now down to 50 bar. At 25m the diver signalled that he had 30 bar. He had a pony cylinder with nitrox 50. His buddy signalled that they should ascend to 17m and that he should then switch to his pony cylinder. The diver was unable to access his pony regulator and his buddy helped him; the regulator was presented upside down due to the way it was rigged. This diver then made a rapid ascent to 9m, regained control and re-descended to join his buddy at 13m. They then ascended normally with a 3 min safety stop at 6m and left the water. The following morning the diver who had made the rapid ascent had altered sensation in his wrists and a small rash on his right wrist. Medical advice was sought and the diver reported to a recompression facility for treatment. His symptoms were resolved.

July 2006 06/363
Yarmouth Coastguard received a call from a diving vessel reporting having a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 25m, the casualty was medi-linked to a diving doctor for medical advice, the advice was to airlift the casualty to a recompression chamber for treatment. R-125 recovered the diver, Gorlestone Coastguard prepared the HLS. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/365
Portland Coastguard received a 'Pan Pan' alert from a diving vessel reporting a diver suffering from suspected DCI, a buddy pair had completed a dive to 29m when on ascent one diver lost buoyancy control and started to ascend in an uncontrolled manner, this was corrected by the buddy diver only for the least experienced diver to vent all his air from the BCD and descend to 26m, at this time the more experienced diver inflated the buddy's BCD and both made an uncontrolled ascent to the surface. Both divers were airlifted by R-WB to a recompression chamber for treatment, both divers were treated, the more experienced diver requiring extensive treatment for a spinal DCI, the helicopter was met by Poole Coastguard at the HLS. (Coastguard report).

July 2006 06/191
Two trainees and an instructor entered the water to conduct a drysuit familiarisation dive. They entered the water and the instructor signalled them to descend. They reached the bottom at 6m then followed it down to 12m; exchanging 'OK' signals as they went. Visibility at 12m was low. One of the trainees experienced suit squeeze and she put some air into the suit. The air migrated to her boots and she began an inverted ascent. She managed to right herself and stopped the ascent. The other trainee went with her. They became separated from the instructor. The trainees decide to surface. The diver who had been inverted put some air into her suit to start her ascent but she became buoyant and made a fast ascent to the surface. She ascended from 10m to the surface in about 6 sec. Her buddy followed her. They exchanged 'OK' signals at the surface and then began a descent to try to rejoin the instructor. They met him at about 5m and all three surfaced together. Once out of the water the diver who had made the rapid ascent was placed on oxygen. She was then told by others at the site that she would be able to dive again. Her computer had 'locked out'. After a surface interval of 2 hours 30 min she dived to 14m for 21 min. Later she experienced symptoms of DCI and received recompression treatment.

July 2006 06/287
A diver conducted a dive to a maximum depth of 28m for 57 min including a 1 min stop at 11m and a 13 min stop at 6m. 2 hours later he conducted a drift dive to a maximum depth of 20m. The duration of the second dive was 37 min with a 1 min stop at 6m and a 2 min stop at 4m. Once back in the boat the diver noticed a pain in his left shoulder. After 5 to 10 min the pain increased. He was placed on nitrox 50 and then oxygen. The pain reduced. The Coastguard was alerted and the diver was airlifted to a recompression facility where he was treated for DCI.

August 2006 06/174
A diver completed a series of two dives per day over a three day period. On day one the dives were 31m for 57 min with a 12 min stop at 6m then, after a 3 hour 31 min surface interval, to 35m for 66 min with 38 min stop at 6m. Day two was 16m for 39 min with a very rapid ascent from 13m at the end of the dive followed by a surface interval of 2 hours 22 min, then a dive to 26m for 66 min including a 20 min stop at 6m. The final day's diving was to 34m for 57 min including a 19 min stop at 6m then, after a 3 hour 7 min surface interval, to 34m for 63 min with a 29 min stop at 6m. One hour after the last dive the diver experienced soreness in her left breast and a mottling of her right shoulder blade. She was placed on oxygen. After 11 min the symptoms had reduced slightly. She sought medical advice and was given fluids and placed back on oxygen. She was taken to a recompression facility, treated for DCI and discharged later that day. She was advised to seek a PFO test.

August 2006 06/370
Falmouth Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 24m for 39min, a medi-link call was established the doctor recommending immediate evacuation. Falmouth Coastguard scrambled rescue helicopter R-193 to airlift the casualty and buddy diver to DDRC Plymouth, Falmouth Coastguard team collected details from the dive vessel on return to port. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/273
Two divers entered the water and dived to the seabed at a depth of 15m. They then followed the seabed down to a depth of 24m. With 3 min of no stop time remaining they started a slow ascent. They deployed a delayed SMB and conducted a 1 min safety stop at 3m. Their dive duration was 37 min. About 30 min later one of the pair began to feel unwell and had a balance problem. The diver was placed on oxygen and the Coastguard was alerted. 8 min after the initial complaint the diver's condition deteriorated; he began to shake uncontrollably, he started to vomit, his eyes rolled and he was unable to focus. Medical advice was sought and the diver and his buddy were airlifted to a recompression facility. The diver was diagnosed with a vestibular DCI and he received a series of eleven sessions of recompression therapy. He was reported to have made a good recovery and was advised to take a PFO test.

August 2006 06/371
Portland Coastguard were informed by a diving vessel of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive on trimix to 51m, the vessel had returned to port when the diver's symptoms had developed. The casualty was transported by ambulance to recompression chamber for treatment. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/176
Two divers conducted a dive to a maximum depth of 20m. After 20 min they ascended to a shelf at a depth of 12m so that one of the pair could practice mask clearing before their final ascent. The diver's first two attempts to clear went well but on his third attempt the mask seal rode over his hood and would not seal. The buddy attempted to help but the diver became distressed and pulled his mask off. He signalled that he wanted to ascend. The buddy tried to replace his mask but he pulled it off again. Both divers made a rapid ascent to the surface. At the surface both divers were recovered into their boat. A few minutes later the distressed diver reported that he felt a little sick and that he had an ache in his left elbow. The diver was laid down and given oxygen and water. The seal was removed from a new oxygen cylinder but it was found to be empty. The diver was given nitrox. The diver was airlifted to a recompression facility. During the flight the diver was placed on oxygen and the pain in his elbow resolved. The diver was given a single session of recompression treatment.

August 2006 06/178
A pair of divers conducted a dive to a maximum depth of 38m. After 15 min one of the divers deployed a delayed SMB. They ascended to 21m and made a 2 min stop. They then ascended to 9m. At this point one of the pair became buoyant, she attempted to vent her BCD and her buddy attempted to slow the ascent. The buoyant diver became inverted and the pair was carried to the surface. The buoyant diver's computer indicated that she had missed 7 min of decompression stops. The divers were placed on oxygen. They attended a recompression facility. The diver who had been buoyant was treated for DCI. It was later found that this diver's BCD inflator valve was leaking air into the jacket. It is thought that this fault developed as the divers approached 9m.

August 2006 06/223
A diver conducted a 25 min dive to a depth of 26m with a 3 min stop at 6m. 2 hours later he dived again, to a maximum depth of 21m. The dive involved lots of finning and one of the pair consumed his air quite quickly. When he reached 70 bar he indicated that he wanted to ascend. However, the other diver continued the dive. When the diver who was low on air reached 50 bar he again indicated that they should ascend and started to deploy his delayed SMB; the other diver assisted him. In his haste to deploy his SMB the diver forgot to dump air from his drysuit and was pulled upwards by the SMB. He moved to dump air but developed cramp in his leg. This delayed him dumping air and he was carried from 16m to 5m in about 10 seconds. He then spent 3 min surfacing from 5m. Back on the boat he was placed on oxygen and examined for symptoms; none were found. Two days later he started to suffer from dizziness, headaches, numbness in his left hand and an aching right hand. He was taken to a recompression facility and received treatment for DCI.

August 2006 06/376
Two divers made a rapid ascent from 20 m, as they were unfamiliar with the wreck they missed the shotline, now over time they deployed the delayed SMB which caused them to rise rapidly, attempting to dump air the rise was too rapid, arriving on the surface with nausea headache and tingling, Portland Coastguard were contacted who scrambled Coastguard rescue helicopter R-WB to airlift the divers to recompression chamber for treatment, the helicopter was met by Poole Coastguard on arrival at the HLS. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/378
Whilst on ascent a diver made a rapid ascent to the surface due to buoyancy problems, the diver was coughing blood and was flown direct to casualty hospital by Coastguard rescue helicopter R-WB, the diver was then flown to recompression chamber for further treatment. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/205
A diver conducted a 30 min dive to 47m with a 5 min stop at 6m and a 7 min stop at 3m. 3 hours later he dived to 40m for 30 min with a 3 min stop at 6m. 10 min after surfacing he developed severe stomach cramp. An ambulance was called. He took an indigestion tablet and fluids. 5 min later his leg 'collapsed'. He was placed on oxygen and taken by ambulance to hospital. From there he was airlifted to a recompression facility for treatment.

August 2006 06/381
Dive vessel reported having a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 42m, Yarmouth Coastguard linked the duty diving doctor to the vessel, the vessel was met by an ambulance on arrival at shore. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/380
Portland Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a two dive day, first dive 40m for 40min second dive 2 hours 30 min later to 24m for 40min using nitrox 36, conducted a precautionary stop of 3min at 6m. Rescue helicopter R-WB airlifted the casualty to recompression chamber for treatment, casualty symptoms, pain in chest, 'pins and needles', both divers were airlifted, the helicopter was met by Poole Coastguard and an ambulance on arrival at the HLS. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/193
A diver made a rapid ascent from a dive to 40m missing over 20 min of decompression. The emergency services were alerted and the diver was placed on oxygen. He was then airlifted to a recompression facility for treatment. (Media report).

August 2006 06/382
Dive vessel reported having a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI following a dive to 38m for 23min. The casualty was airlifted to hospital by rescue helicopter R 177, Portaferry Coastguard made ready the HLS. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/208
Portland Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel that a diver aboard had missed stops following a rapid ascent from a 31m dive; the bottom time had been 47min. One of three divers lost buoyancy control and although attempting to re-descend could not get down, the divers were recovered and complained of tingling. The casualty was airlifted to recompression chamber for treatment by Coastguard rescue helicopter R-WB. The helicopter was met by Poole Coastguard and an ambulance at the HLS. Note the diver had purchased a set of wings and had little experience with them, lack of weight made it impossible to remain at the decompression stop. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/386
Clyde Coastguard coordinated the recovery of a diver from an island to the mainland for treatment suffering from DCI. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/251
A diver conducted a 30 min dive to 30m with a 1 min safety stop at 3m. 2 hours 22 min later he dived to 33m for 45 min with a 1 min stop at 6m and a 34 min stop at 3m. During these dives he experienced problems with his dive computer and in reading it. He believes that decompression stops were missed. He was placed on oxygen and taken by ambulance to a recompression facility for treatment. He was released from hospital 24 hours later.

August 2006 06/388
Yarmouth Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel, of a diver aboard another vessel suffering from suspected DCI, the casualty was airlifted by rescue helicopter R Anglia One, the helo was met by Coastguard teams from Mundsey, Happisburg and Winterton attended, the casualty was taken by ambulance to the hospital. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/387
Portland Coastguard were alerted to two divers missing decompression stops following a dive to 27m, this was the second dive of the day and in reverse profile, the divers ascended and attempted to deploy their delayed SMB. Whilst this was being done the divers fell back to the seabed, the divers completed stops according to the computer and on surfacing began feeling ill. The divers were airlifted to recompression chamber by R-WB, being met by Poole Coastguard and ambulance. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/392
Portland Coastguard received a call from a diving vessel reporting having two divers aboard suffering from suspected DCI, the divers were airlifted by R-WB to the HLS where it was met by Poole Coastguard and an ambulance for transportation to a recompression chamber. (Coastguard report).

August 2006 06/252
A diver conducted a series of seven dives over a four day period. Her last dive was to 32m and this was the deepest. Her previous dive had been 19 hours 29 min earlier. She dived with a buddy to a wreck. There was a 1 knot current flowing. At the end of the dive they ascended the shotline, closely followed by another pair of divers. At a depth of 10m they found a third pair of divers on the shotline and they also found that the shot buoy had been pulled down to 10m, by the action of the current. The diver deployed a delayed SMB and they left the shotline, the second pair of divers came with them. They sank back to 15m before making a normal ascent with a 3 min stop at 6m. The SMB then became entangled with the third pair of divers and they abandoned it, making their final ascent without it. After the dive, the diver had a painful left shoulder and tingling and numbness in two fingers of her left hand. This diver had suffered from a stiff left shoulder for two years. She sought diving medical advice and they did not propose any treatment. Six days later she attended a recompression facility and received two sessions of treatment. She was left with some residual numbness which improved with physiotherapy. It was uncertain if this was a case of DCI.

August 2006 06/228
A diver conducted a series of six dives over a three day period. On the fourth day she dived to 31m for 41 min with a 1 min stop at 15m, a 2 min stop at 9m and a 6 min stop at 6m. 3 hours 35 min later she dived to 18m for 33 min with a 3 min stop at 6m. After surfacing she noticed some pain in her left arm. An hour later the pain continued and she noticed a rash on her left arm. She sought medical assistance and was placed on oxygen. The pain had subsided a little by this time and, after 20 min on oxygen, the rash disappeared. She was then transferred to a recompression facility for treatment, after which she was symptom-free. She was advised to take a PFO test.

August 2006 06/393
Portland Coastguard were alerted by a diving vessel of a diver aboard suffering from suspected DCI, the vessel was in harbour, Portland Coastguard requested the ambulance to meet the vessel and transport the casualty direct to recompression chamber for treatment. (Coastguard report).

September 2006 06/230
A diver collapsed after a dive to 30m. He was transported to a recompression facility and received a series of nine treatments. (Media report).

September 2006 06/394
Liverpool Coastguard were alerted to a diver suffering from suspected DCI, the casualty was taken to hospital via a land ambulance. (Coastguard report).

September 2006 06/275
A diver conducted a series of dives over a three day period. His maximum depth was 42m and he used both air and nitrox. He then took two days without dives. On the next day he dived to 36m for a total of 62 min with the following stops; 2 min at 15m, 3 min at 12m, 4 min at 9m, 6 min at 6m and 9 min at 3m. His dive gas was nitrox 22. 3 hours later he conducted a drift dive to 15m using nitrox 33. His dive duration was 60 min including a safety stop. 20 hours 30 min later he boarded a plane for a short flight. On arrival at the destination airport he felt unwell with nausea, dizziness, numbness in his right arm, tingling in his face and right arm and hand, weakness in his right hand and pain in his right arm and elbow. He sought advice from a recompression facility and was recommended to make his way to them. He was taken by ambulance, on oxygen, to the recompression facility where he received a series of three sessions of treatment for a neurological DCI.

September 2006 06/232
Two divers conducted a 50 min dive to 45m with a 8 min stop at 3m. 3 hours 58 min later they dived to 33m for 50 min with a 13 min stop at 3m. Both dives included stops that were longer than required by their computers. Once back on the boat, one of the pair reported that he had twisted his right hip. This diver had a history of slight arthritic pain in this joint. 5 min later he reported that the pain was spreading down his right thigh. He lay down and was placed on oxygen. His right thigh then developed numbness and tingling. The Coastguard was alerted and the boat returned to the shore. The diver was given fluids. He was then airlifted to a recompression facility where he received treatment for DCI.

September 2006 06/276
A diver conducted a 41 min dive to a maximum depth of 23m with a 3 min safety stop at 5m. 15 min after surfacing she developed what she thought was indigestion. It quickly developed into numbness and tingling in the legs, severe abdominal pain and then loss of mobility in her legs. She was placed on oxygen and the Coastguard was alerted. Once ashore she was taken by ambulance to a helicopter and airlifted to a recompression facility. She received a series of treatments for DCI over a four day period and made an almost complete recovery.

September 2006 06/212
A diver was on a deep diving training course. He reached a maximum depth of 24m. At this depth he felt a tightness across his stomach and he began to cough. He panicked and ascended from 24m to the surface in about 30 sec. His dive duration was 23 min. He was placed on oxygen and seemed to recover. He then developed shoulder pain and shock. The emergency services were alerted and medical advice sought. He was airlifted to a recompression facility for treatment.

September 2006 06/244
A diver using a rebreather with air diluent conducted a 62 min dive to 27m with no decompression stops. 2 hours 20 min later he dived to 16m for 39 min with no decompression stops. The following day, after a 19 hour 9 min surface interval he dived to 33m. The dive duration was 60 min including a 1 min stop at 20m, a 2 min stop at 14m and a 4 min stop at 6m. During the ascent from this dive he experienced problems with his delayed SMB reel and thus made a slower than normal ascent. At 12m his rebreather automatically changed its set point from 1.3 pO2 to 0.7 pO2 and he was not able to reset it. He completed all required stops. About 30 min after the dive he noticed that his shoulder was itching. His condition worsened and mottling of the skin was noticed. He was placed on oxygen. The Coastguard was alerted and the boat was met by an ambulance when it arrived back at the shore. He was taken to a recompression facility for treatment. He was discharged later that day.

September 2006 06/401
Portland Coastguard coordinated the evacuation of a diver from a diving vessel complaining of tingling and ache in the chest, R-WB airlifted the casualty transferring the casualty to a waiting ambulance, the HLS was prepared by Poole Coastguard. (Coastguard report).

September 2006 06/234
A diver conducted a 40 min dive to a maximum depth of 26m. She made a 3 min safety stop at 5m. Within 1 min of leaving the water she felt light-headed, disorientated, weak, fatigued and almost unable to stand. She was assisted to remove her kit. She had a tingling in both hands from tight drysuit wrist seats which was normal for her. She also had a numbness in her right hand which was not normal. She was placed on oxygen. The skipper was unable to contact the Coastguard by radio. The boat returned to the harbour. An ambulance was called by phone. No signs of DCI were found. She was kept on oxygen for 75 min. She drove home and attended her local hospital the following day where she was given more oxygen. The next day she saw her doctor, but no action was defined. The following day she sought advice from a recompression facility and received a session of treatment. She experienced no further symptoms other than extreme tiredness.

September 2006 06/403
Portland Coastguard coordinated the evacuation of a diver suffering from suspected DCI, R-WB airlifted the casualty which was met by an ambulance, doctor and Poole Coastguard. (Coastguard report).

September 2006 06/214
A diver suffering symptoms of DCI was airlifted to a recompression facility. (Media report).

September 2006 06/237
A diver suffering from DCI was taken by lifeboat to a recompression facility. (Media report).

September 2006 06/236
A diver suffering from DCI was taken by lifeboat to a recompression facility. (Media report).


September 2006 06/407
A trimix diver began experiencing visual disturbances and a tightness in the chest following a dive to 54m, the diver was ashore and was referred to a recompression chamber by the duty diving doctor at INM. The diver received seven hours treatment for a suspected DCI. (Coastguard report).

September 2006 06/254
A diver conducted a 31 min dive to a depth of 24m. 2 hours 45 min later he dived to 20m for 36 min. 90 min later, whilst helping to unload the boat, the diver felt dizzy. He felt better when laying down but dizzy once again when he sat up. He was placed on oxygen and the emergency services were alerted. He was taken by ambulance to hospital and advice was sought from a recompression facility. 2 hours later he had not improved and he was taken to the recompression facility where he received a series of treatments over a five day period.